From poinsettias to persimmons

Welcome, everyone. As a lad growing up in my hometown of East Liverpool, Ohio, it was stressed by my elders: “Waste not, want not.” That explains my deep psychological urge to make and use compost, I suppose.

So don’t throw out that innocent, living, festive holiday poinsettia you just got last month. Instead, follow these perfect poinsettia pointers for a prized poinsettia plant next holiday season.

First, a little poinsettia history. It is native to Mexico and was introduced in this country in 1825 by Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first U.S. ambassador to Mexico, who sent cuttings back to his South Carolina home. A little later, the plants became a popular Christmas flower.

The colorful bracts are leaves, not flowers. The flower buds are red or green buttons in the center of the bract that open to a small yellow flower.

For long-term care, keep the poinsettia in a sunny spot getting at least six hours of light. Water thoroughly when dry, but don’t let it sit in water. Maintain steady temperatures of 60-75 degrees, while avoiding chilling drafts. Feed weekly with an all-purpose fertilizer after the colored bracts and leaves fade.

To revitalize the poinsettia for next Christmas holiday color, follow these easy steps. In May, cut back stems to a height of 4 inches while continuing to feed balanced plant food every couple of weeks. Starting Oct. 1, give the poinsettia 14 hours daily of total darkness. Poinsettias are short-day plants, meaning they require long nights to affect color change. Do this for eight to 10 weeks to encourage color. Reduce watering and stop fertilizing during this “dark period.” After this time span, move the plant to a normal sunny spot and resume the watering and feeding cycle. Maybe have a friendly competition with another poinsettia person to see who has a nicer re-blooming poinsettia next Christmas. There you have it, as my forefathers would lecture my much younger self: A penny saved is a penny earned.

Persimmon persistence

Sometimes you can’t see the forest for the trees. But thanks to good friend and kindred spirit to The Garden Gate, Jim Smith, district technician for the Medina County Soil and Water Conservation District, we get up close and personal with the star of the 2025 Big Tree Contest: the persimmon tree. Sponsored by the SWCD, the contest started in 2003 to locate and showcase the various towering trees we are fortunate to have in Medina County, from the white oak in 2003 (Smith’s favorite tree) to the Osage orange in 2024.

Smith explains that this particular persimmon tree, located west of Medina Square near Liberty and South Huntington streets, was specifically planted in this location at least 80 years ago. Persimmons do not typically grow as single trees but rather in groves or thickets.

This strapping tree stands a majestic 72 feet tall, with a circumference of 9 feet and a crown spread of 57 feet. Here are some persimmon tree and fruit facts: Persimmons are primarily grown in California and Florida; they flower from March to June and fruit from September to November. The fruit is delicate and does not ship well. Persimmons are the national fruit of Japan and symbolize autumn much like pumpkins do here. The heartwood is dense, dark and durable, making it useful for golf club heads, musical instruments, flooring and tool handles, among other items. The trees have a high tolerance to drought and a deep root system. Persimmons symbolize good fortune, longevity and joy.

Thanks to Jim Smith for his persimmon Big Tree fun facts and information.

What do you call an old snowman? Water.

Until next time, peace.